midnight at the orchid
Even late into the evening, the bar was crowded. Girls flitted around in an excited, intoxicated cheer- the kind of woozy, beatiful comraderie that only came when one was drunk and young and beautiful and enjoying the company of strangers. The bar was dim, though far from shady. Neon lights and so-tacky-it's-cute fake plants decorated the little corners and nooks of the establishment. The bar itself was moodily lit and equipped with tasteful, mid-century seats. The music was live- that was always a treat- indie-rock tunes played from a small stage in the far side of the room. It was a fine establishment- maybe one of the only of its kind left in the city.
Ryu sat at the bar, distanced from a group of women celebrating a 26th birthday in reckless, loud cheer. She nursed a glass of whiskey, and tried not to draw attention to herself. Normally, at an establishment like this, her first priority would be catching the eye of some daring, beautiful young femme and taking her home for the wildest night she'd ever had. But tonight, he already had a date. And even though their relationship was causal, Ryu didn't think Glass would appreciate him bailing on their plans when those plans were the very reason he was in Houston in the first place.
Ignoring the eye of the birthday girl on her, Ryu focused on a pink, illuminated neon-tube sign flashing 'GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS', on the wall, til her attention was caught by the stage. Just as the band was closing out their last song, the lead singer returned to the mic as the cheering died down.
"Thank you, everyone! Once again, we're Lucille and the Rosewaters, and if you liked our stuff you can check out the merch table! Michelle's got CDs and T-Shirts and baseball hats for all of y'all." The musician announced as her bandmates were packing up their instruments. "Now, we might be done, but the show's not over yet! I'd like to give a warm welcome to tonight's next act, The Paper Dolls!"
More cheering commenced as the first band left, and Glass's band entered and set up. Theirs was a small group- only three members. Ryu remembered the others' names only because Glass had asked her to- Gwen on the drums and Maxxine on lead guitar and vocals. Gwen had a blond buzz and extremely angular features, Maxxine had long dark dreads and a lip piercing. And then there was Glass, herself- limber and long and pretty, with her base strapped to her shoulder and a wild spark in her eyes. The multicolored lighting refracted through her transulcent body in a truly mesmerizing way. She caught Ryu staring, and smiled. She winked. Ryu raised his glass to her, and she smiled.
A moment later, and he Paper Dolls began their show- playing the characteristic loud, energetic punk rock Ryu had come to know them for. It was not the kind of music she easily gravitated towards, but she still found a certain appreciation for it. And beyond that, Glass had asked him to come out to one of her shows, and he would oblige.
After a few fast, angry songs, Maxxine stepped away from the microphone. Ryu almost thought that was the last of their set, til Glass stepped up.
"Hey, everyone." She waved. She almost looked uncomfortable with everyone's eyes on her. It was a strange look on her- confident, outgoing Glass, nervous under the spotlight. "This next song is dedicated to a very special someone who's come all the way from overseas, just to visit me. I'm not gonna name her, because she'd just get stolen away from me. This is 'Briefly Yours'."
With a brief pause, Glass began to play. The song- ironically, wrenchingly named and dedicated to none but Ryu- began with a steady, low baseline. It made sense, it was Glass's song- at least, all signs pointed to it being hers- and Glass was a bassist at heart. As the song continued and the other members joined in, Ryu began to recognize the tune- it was the same melancholy, bittersweet tune Glass had played for her on the docks, when they had just met. How long ago that felt- and yet, here it was again. And now the song was for Ryu. And he didn't know how to feel about that.
"Hazy skies, winter bites." Glass began to sing. Her singing voice was low and clear- so different than the way she spoke. "I stay with you til morning light."
It felt wrong, for the song to be for Ryu. For it to be about Ryu. They weren't supposed to have attachments- the two of them. That had always been implicit and clear in their relationship. It was dangerous for Ryu to form attachments, because of his work, his other commitments- everything. It was dangerous for Glass to form attachments because she was going to die. It was something Ryu had found comfort in, in their relationship. Glass had never expected him to commit.
But now, she was singing a song to him. A song she had written about him.
"I'm in your arms, you hold me tight.
but I'm alone in the depths of night.
I'll never have you like I want.
Because it's not what you want.
Because it's not what you need.
You know you're gonna miss me.
You know I'm gonna bleed!"
The song as far more melancholy than The Paper Dolls' previous tracks. There was an achingness to it- a desparate, howling yearning. It wasn't just a yearning or Ryu. It was a yearning for something Glass could never, never have.
The music creschendoed as they reached the chorus.
"Am I ever more, than briefly, briefly yours? Will my life be saved? Will you see me in my grave?"
Ryu looked away. He didn't want to meet Glass's gaze, though she was surely watching her.
"Will I ever be more, than briefly, fleetingly yours? Darling, don't leave me. It's the only thing I need."
After The Paper Dolls finished their set, Glass joined Ryu at the bar. Though she didn't get a drink, she lingered with an empty glass infront of her, and occasionally pretended to sip from it. Though it was inherently silly, Ryu would never say that to her face. She knew how important it was for Glass to hold onto what little humanity she had left. And if pretending to drink from an empty glass was what accomplished that, Ryu wouldn't bother her about it.
"Sooo…" Glass smiled, and leaned towards Ryu. "Did you like the show?"
Ryu chuckled, but let Glass come near her. "I did. It was nice. You and the girls certainly put on a show."
Glass seemed pleased at that- at least, she smiled. "We certainly do. I don't think I've played for you since we first met… I think we're better as a group, personally."
"You were just as good on your own, don't worry." Ryu looked back to the stage, which was now empty. Peppy pop music blared from the speakers. "That one song… was that the one you played for me, on the docks?"
From the corner of her eye, Ryu saw Glass's smile waver. "Yeah. I switched some things around, changed the lyrics, but it's still the same one. I'm not really a songwriter, but occasionally I come up with some of our stuff."
"Mhm. I see." Ryu kept his voice neutral. He had to. "It was nice to hear it again.